COAS Visits Former Military Heads of State, Vows to Improve Security

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving national security, enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders.

A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army Chief used the visits to brief the elder statesmen and the Niger State Government on ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening training, doctrine and operational readiness across Nigerian Army formations.

According to the statement, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted several exercises currently being conducted across Army training institutions to ensure personnel receive realistic, practical and mission-oriented training.

He explained the exercises also serve as platforms for assessing the operational posture of combat units and identifying gaps that may require additional manpower, equipment or the establishment of new formations.

Speaking on the security situation in Niger State, the COAS emphasised the strategic importance of the state, noting its vast landmass and unique security challenges.

He said the Army was consolidating available resources and leveraging technology to respond effectively to emerging threats.

“We are consolidating all available resources and leveraging technology to address security challenges effectively. Niger State holds a special place in our history; I previously served here as a Training and Doctrine Commander, and many of my colleagues also share a deep connection with this state. In many ways, it is regarded as home,” he said.

The Army Chief also disclosed he had undertaken operational visits to the 31st, 11th and 18th Brigades in Bida, where he assessed operational gaps and directed the provision of critical resources to curb recent security challenges in parts of the state.

In their separate remarks, former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, warmly received the COAS and commended his leadership, professionalism and strategic vision.

They congratulated him on his appointment and offered prayers for wisdom, courage and sustained success as he leads the Nigerian Army through contemporary security challenges.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Yakubu Garba, welcomed the Army Chief to Niger State and praised the Nigerian Army for its proactive support in addressing security concerns.

He outlined some of the security challenges confronting the state and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the Army would help restore peace and stability.

“We are confident that with the partnership of the Nigerian Army, we will overcome current challenges and protect lives and communities,” the deputy governor said.

The visits, the statement noted, underscored the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to operational excellence, strategic collaboration with government authorities and the protection of Nigeria’s national security interests.